Report by Ryan Borrett

Normal service was resumed at the top of the National Premier Leagues WA table on the weekend with leaders Bayswater City returning to winning ways.

LINKS TO FULL MATCH REPORTS BELOW

Coming off their first loss of the season, Chris Coyne's reigning champions made no mistake as goals from Gian Albano and Luke Salmon gave them a 2-0 home win over Armadale.

Albano struck just before half-time but it was the contribution of teenage substitute Salmon that stood out for Coyne.

“He’s only 17 years old and that’s twice now he’s come on and made a big impact,” Coyne said.

“Watch this space because I think he’s going places.”

Both goals came from corners and Armadale coach John O'Reilly said his players would be working on defending set-pieces before this weekend's game at Balcatta.

“We weren’t really troubled during open play, so it was disappointing," he said.

“We’ll be working on addressing that this week and creating a bit more in the final third.”

Hot on the heels of Bayswater are Perth SC, who secured their fifth straight victory by beating Forrestfield United 3-0.

Paul Zimarino, Richard Howles and Matthew Milenkovic ensured Perth stayed second on goal difference.

“It’s good that we are now getting some consistency in the performances and results," said Perth coach Ramon Falzon, who was generous in his praise of Forrestfield.

“It wasn’t a polished performance from us but mainly credit to them.

“I think the scoreline was a bit too harsh for Forrestfield - they played good football and were competitive all game long."

Things are tightening up behind the front two, with third-place Perth Glory hammering Floreat Athena 5-1 and Cockburn beating bottom side Joondalup United 3-1.

Jake Brimmer bagged two for Glory but young Cockburn striker Daniel Robinson went one better as he scored his first hat-trick for the Cockerels.

Both of those teams are on 13 points, two points off the top, while unbeaten ECU Joondalup are fifth a further point behind after their 3-0 win over Balcatta.

Two penalties from Daryl Nicol and a Ross Millard goal were enough for ECU and head coach Dale McCullough said: “It was a brilliant three points and another clean sheet.”

It was also a good weekend for Balcatta, whose first win of the season came at the expense of Subiaco.

"I'm very pleased with the boys to get off the mark, it’s probably just reward for the work they have put in over the last few weeks,” Balcatta assistant coach Dimitri Phylactov said after their 2-1 victory.

While Balcatta had cause to celebrate, Subiaco player-coach Ian McMurray ripped into his players.

“I’m embarrassed for how we went about our business today, we didn’t turn up and showed no heart or desire,” he said.

“They (the players) all need to go home tonight and have a look at themselves.”

The weekend's other game saw Alex Salmon mark his first game of the season with a brace as Inglewood United beat Sorrento 2-1.

RESULTS
Balcatta 2 (Pellizzari 26min, O'Connell 44)
Subiaco 1 (Perich 68min)
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

Bayswater City 2 (Albano 45+1min, Salmon 84)
Armadale 0
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

ECU Joondalup 3 (Nicol 32min pen, 90pen, Millard 41)
Sutirling Lions 0
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

Floreat Athena 1 (Arnold 7min)
Perth Glory 5 (Stynes 35min, Street og 56, Brimmer 80, 88, Knowles 90)
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

Inglewood United 2 (Salmon 34min, 72)
Sorrento 1 (Witschge 7min)
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

Joondalup United 1 (Lazzaro og 52min)
Cockburn City 3 (Robinson 23min, 40 pen, 81)
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

Perth SC 3 (Zimarino 39min, Holwes 77, Milenkovic 79)
Forrestfield United 0
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE